Track day at Road Atlanta - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

kevbh · 03-16-2007, 09:33 PM

I did my first track day at Road Atlanta the weekend of 3/10/07 with the BMWCCA Peachtree Chapter. Technically, it was a drivers school, so class room instruction was included, as was an instructor to ride with each student. We were on track four times Saturday and Sunday (eight total) for about 25 minutes each run. That was plenty!

If you've never done something like this, I would highly recommend it. It was one of those life altering events for me. I've participated in several autocross events, but this was just incredible.

I thought the e90 did a nice job at the track, and mine is completely stock. I could run with just about anything through the corners, but I was lacking a little in the horsepower area when it came to accelerating down the straights. It was tough getting past the Porsches, M3's, and other modified BMWs/Minis without them giving me a generous backing off of the throttle when they pointed my by (passing was limited to certain areas and only when the car in front points you by). However, the e90 seems to be very aerodynamic, because I was hitting close to 120mph on the backstraight before jumping to full brakes for turn 10a. Several fellow students mentioned how fast my car was getting down the straights.

Looks like this could be an expensive hobby. The stock run-flats (which handled very nicely) are pretty much shot at just under 14,000 miles. Also, my car indicates that brake work is due in 4,500 miles for the fronts and 5,000 for the rears, assuming I'm interpreting the computer correctly.

If you're interested, I posted a video of a few laps...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aayZVEJdCQQ

Sparkplug · 03-16-2007, 09:51 PM

That was fun! Good drivin'.

ATL_Architect · 03-16-2007, 11:13 PM

Nice driving!

328ichris · 03-16-2007, 11:21 PM

Where you at in Marietta, big guy? Any time you want to meet up and hang out, let me know. I'm off Dallas Hwy over by John Ward Rd and I'll be in Marietta pretty much from now until 1 April. In case you're interested, some folks are planning a get together at the Butler Tire in Alpharetta on 24 March. I should be there around 1 pm.

s4iscool · 03-16-2007, 11:28 PM

Cool video...

Last time i was there was on a R1, hit 170+ on teh back straight, then click down 4 gears to 2nd., with a fistfull of brakes...makes RA even more fun

looks like its been repaved, looks nice.

and you are right, expensive hobby...and make sure you know how your policy views track days/races/educational events.

DrewKo · 03-17-2007, 01:41 AM

If there is a get together, please post it in the Southeast thread so I and others can join.

Great video....I've got to do one of those soon, especially since I'm getting a Procede installed this Saturday.

kevbh · 03-17-2007, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 328ichris

Where you at in Marietta, big guy? Any time you want to meet up and hang out, let me know. I'm off Dallas Hwy over by John Ward Rd and I'll be in Marietta pretty much from now until 1 April. In case you're interested, some folks are planning a get together at the Butler Tire in Alpharetta on 24 March. I should be there around 1 pm.

I'm just a little further out on Dallas Highway at Friendship Church Road, past the Avenues at West Cobb shopping center. Thanks for the invite - I am due for some tires....

kevbh · 03-17-2007, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s4iscool

Cool video...

Last time i was there was on a R1, hit 170+ on teh back straight, then click down 4 gears to 2nd., with a fistfull of brakes...makes RA even more fun

looks like its been repaved, looks nice.

and you are right, expensive hobby...and make sure you know how your policy views track days/races/educational events.

I don't have the guts to try that on a sportbike! I also have a Yamaha sport bike, but mine is a much more tame YZF600R. All of those concrete walls looked scarry enough from inside a car - I can't imagine coming through turn 12 on a bike! The new pavement is really nice. Obviously, I've never driven on the old stuff, but it sure looked like a lot of patchwork from my visits as a spectator. The experienced drivers all said it was smoother and quicker, but still has some bumps hidden in it. They moved the walls back in the essess also, which is supposed to make it a little safer for the bikes in particular.

I am working on the assumption that my insurance is not valid at the track. If something bad happens, there's going to be a very difficult conversation back at home with the wife... :mad:

kevbh · 03-17-2007, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewKo

If there is a get together, please post it in the Southeast thread so I and others can join.

Great video....I've got to do one of those soon, especially since I'm getting a Procede installed this Saturday.

Good idea. There definitely needs to be more E90s at the autocross and track day events. I need someone I can compare myself too, or at least exchange notes with. If I forget, be sure to bookmark the Peachtree Chapter BMWCCA's website so you can take a look at the calendar. You need to join the club if you haven't already - the benefits of membership have been discussed at length many times on this forum.

http://www.peachtreebmwcca.org/start.asp

s4iscool · 03-17-2007, 11:21 PM

i think if its an instructional/educational track day, your insruance might cover it. Good to look into that..people total their machines and get serious bodily injury at the track, so better be safe than you know..

the walls are indeed a problem at RA, even with the repairs; im not interested riding there again. You are right, the last turn is incredibly dangerous fast turn, that wall is instand bad news. The pavement does look great and good to hear its much improved...

CoralRedPlz · 04-06-2007, 11:56 AM

i have no previous track experiance (other than for a couple hours at my PCD

)

would i be able to take my 335 + procede and rft's to that track and handle it ok?

i would love to race my car a bit, but ive heard autoX is overall much harder on your car. and there dont seem to be too many good track events around florida. i wouldnt mind making the drive though, the track looks awesome!

s4iscool · 04-07-2007, 04:03 PM

you will be fine if you understand your limits and stay within them. RA can be very dangerous to novices, because of its high speed nature. A couple of the turns can be tricky as well, and youll find yourself in the grass (worse, the wall) if you lose control. Autox has the less potential for serious damage if you lose control, and I agree that its "harder" on the car than running around a track. With that said, if you just want to experience a track and hit some high speeds on the back straight, youll have a blast...just dont push it so hard through the turns until you get more comfortable.

CoralRedPlz · 04-08-2007, 01:12 PM

thanks! maybe ill have to schedule a weekend trip with a buddy out there!

boriquaguerrero · 04-08-2007, 01:24 PM

im 3 hours from ATL , i would like to go there with my procede 335.

Adham · 04-08-2007, 04:21 PM

good for you to go do that. i agree, everyone should go to at least one DE. the roads would be a safer place.

03-16-2007, 09:33 PM	#1
kevbh Second Lieutenant Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 129 iTrader: (0)	Track day at Road Atlanta I did my first track day at Road Atlanta the weekend of 3/10/07 with the BMWCCA Peachtree Chapter. Technically, it was a drivers school, so class room instruction was included, as was an instructor to ride with each student. We were on track four times Saturday and Sunday (eight total) for about 25 minutes each run. That was plenty! If you've never done something like this, I would highly recommend it. It was one of those life altering events for me. I've participated in several autocross events, but this was just incredible. I thought the e90 did a nice job at the track, and mine is completely stock. I could run with just about anything through the corners, but I was lacking a little in the horsepower area when it came to accelerating down the straights. It was tough getting past the Porsches, M3's, and other modified BMWs/Minis without them giving me a generous backing off of the throttle when they pointed my by (passing was limited to certain areas and only when the car in front points you by). However, the e90 seems to be very aerodynamic, because I was hitting close to 120mph on the backstraight before jumping to full brakes for turn 10a. Several fellow students mentioned how fast my car was getting down the straights. Looks like this could be an expensive hobby. The stock run-flats (which handled very nicely) are pretty much shot at just under 14,000 miles. Also, my car indicates that brake work is due in 4,500 miles for the fronts and 5,000 for the rears, assuming I'm interpreting the computer correctly. If you're interested, I posted a video of a few laps... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aayZVEJdCQQ __________________ 2006 325i Alpine White/Beige, Sport Package, Power Seats

03-16-2007, 09:51 PM	#2
Sparkplug Badge Whore Drives: Dinan 335xi Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: GSA Posts: 775 iTrader: (1)	That was fun! Good drivin'. __________________ Stock: 2007 e90 335xi, Step., Bck Prl, Terra, Sport, Premium. Dinan: Stage III, FMIC, OC, Exhaust, CAI (on order) BMW Performance: 313 19's, Perf. steering wheel, Gear selector, E-brake, Pedals. Other: KW v. 3 coilovers, RiXt3r mech. gauge, K & N filter, Huper Optik tint Wallet: Empty

03-16-2007, 11:13 PM	#3
ATL_Architect Private Drives: 2009 328i e92 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Atlanta Posts: 62 iTrader: (0)	Nice driving! __________________ Current: 2009 BMW 328i (e92) M-Sport - PCD on July 22, 2009 Former: 2006 BMW 330i (e90)- PCD on August 25, 2006: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=162751

04-06-2007, 11:56 AM	#11
CoralRedPlz restless Drives: Space Grey, Coral Red 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: around town Posts: 486 iTrader: (0)	i have no previous track experiance (other than for a couple hours at my PCD ) would i be able to take my 335 + procede and rft's to that track and handle it ok? i would love to race my car a bit, but ive heard autoX is overall much harder on your car. and there dont seem to be too many good track events around florida. i wouldnt mind making the drive though, the track looks awesome! __________________ 335i space, coral/gray poplar, step, loaded, but with no AS, AC or rear shade. Front lip painted and installed and springs going on this week. pics coming soon.

04-08-2007, 01:12 PM	#13
CoralRedPlz restless Drives: Space Grey, Coral Red 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: around town Posts: 486 iTrader: (0)	thanks! maybe ill have to schedule a weekend trip with a buddy out there! __________________ 335i space, coral/gray poplar, step, loaded, but with no AS, AC or rear shade. Front lip painted and installed and springs going on this week. pics coming soon.

03-16-2007, 11:21 PM	#4
328ichris Private Drives: 2007 328i Sedan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Marietta, GA Posts: 33 iTrader: (0)	Where you at in Marietta, big guy? Any time you want to meet up and hang out, let me know. I'm off Dallas Hwy over by John Ward Rd and I'll be in Marietta pretty much from now until 1 April. In case you're interested, some folks are planning a get together at the Butler Tire in Alpharetta on 24 March. I should be there around 1 pm.

03-16-2007, 11:28 PM	#5
s4iscool Major Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Neccos Posts: 1,127 iTrader: (2)	Cool video... Last time i was there was on a R1, hit 170+ on teh back straight, then click down 4 gears to 2nd., with a fistfull of brakes...makes RA even more fun looks like its been repaved, looks nice. and you are right, expensive hobby...and make sure you know how your policy views track days/races/educational events.

03-17-2007, 01:41 AM	#6
DrewKo Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 335i Montego Blue Saddle Brown Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,546 iTrader: (4) View DrewKo's Garage	If there is a get together, please post it in the Southeast thread so I and others can join. Great video....I've got to do one of those soon, especially since I'm getting a Procede installed this Saturday.

03-17-2007, 11:21 PM	#10
s4iscool Major Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Neccos Posts: 1,127 iTrader: (2)	i think if its an instructional/educational track day, your insruance might cover it. Good to look into that..people total their machines and get serious bodily injury at the track, so better be safe than you know.. the walls are indeed a problem at RA, even with the repairs; im not interested riding there again. You are right, the last turn is incredibly dangerous fast turn, that wall is instand bad news. The pavement does look great and good to hear its much improved...

04-07-2007, 04:03 PM	#12
s4iscool Major Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Neccos Posts: 1,127 iTrader: (2)	you will be fine if you understand your limits and stay within them. RA can be very dangerous to novices, because of its high speed nature. A couple of the turns can be tricky as well, and youll find yourself in the grass (worse, the wall) if you lose control. Autox has the less potential for serious damage if you lose control, and I agree that its "harder" on the car than running around a track. With that said, if you just want to experience a track and hit some high speeds on the back straight, youll have a blast...just dont push it so hard through the turns until you get more comfortable.

04-08-2007, 01:24 PM	#14
boriquaguerrero Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Drives: E90 335, MAZDA RX-7, CORVETTE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: FORT MYERS, FLORIDA Posts: 393 iTrader: (3)	im 3 hours from ATL , i would like to go there with my procede 335.

04-08-2007, 04:21 PM	#15
Adham First Lieutenant Drives: 335i sedan Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 244 iTrader: (0)	good for you to go do that. i agree, everyone should go to at least one DE. the roads would be a safer place. __________________